Following a moped crash in Tech Terrace that sent sent one person to the hospital with serious injuries, residents of the area are concerned about the safety of their streets.

Accident investigators are looking into the wreck that happened around 3:15 a.m. on Saturday morning in the 3200 block of 32nd Street. A 21-year-old woman was taken to Covenant’s ER by one of her friends. Police were able to determine her and a passenger were leaving a home in the area of the accident when she lost control of the moped and crashed.

Neighbors near the incident told EverythingLubbock.com they did not witness the accident, but are not surprised that it happened.

“They really pick up some speed, especially the college kids around the neighborhood,” Mike Pritchard said.

Pritchard lives on the block and sees scooter and moped drivers often.

“I would say 90 percent of them aren’t wearing helmets. And you know, that pavement doesn’t care if you fell off a Harley or a Cushman– and it is not for your head. So you just have to look out.”

He worries about safety on his street, and the safety of the drivers themselves.

“They are forever running the stop signs at Gary and Hartford. In fact there about a wreck every week or so,” Pritchard said, “Oh, I’ve seen three of em knocked upside down, and I’ve had to stomp on the breaks a million times.”

Local motorcycle and bike shop owners say most of their moped buyers are young people or college kids, and some are new to riding.

“It is easier to get around and park,” owner of Motor City Chris Waite said of scooters. “They are easy to maneuver in town, but they are dangerous in traffic.”

There are steps riders should take to stay safe on their bikes. Waite says they should make themselves as visible as possible.

“The main thing to know when people ride scooters is people don’t see them,” he said. “They can look right at them, but they are looking for cars. They are not registering a small scooter.”

He cautions riders to drive down the middle of the road, instead of staying to the side or weaving through traffic. He also recommends wearing bright colors and protective gear, including a helmet.

In Texas, you must have a Class M license to operate a motorcycle or scooter. You are required by law to wear a helmet, unless you are 21 years old and complete a training course, or prove you have medical insurance.

“You just have to use common sense, and remember that you are going to be the loser in any accident,” Waite says.